The Wenner-Gren Foundation for
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research is a New York-based private foundation that supports anthropology and anthropologists worldwide through grants, fellowships, research convenings, media projects, and public engagement.
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for at a glance
In short: The Wenner-Gren Foundation for gave $6.6M across 318 grants in 2024 (avg $21K), top state California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $6,645,080
- +12.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 318
- +2.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $20,896
- +9.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $210,553,751
- +3.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- California (10% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Wenner-Gren Foundation for
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation operates an online application process. Its application materials and program requirements are available through the programs section of its website. The filing directs applicants to the website for award restrictions.
- Review Cycle
- See the Foundation’s website for deadlines.
- Deadline
- See the Foundation’s website for deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Dr Danilyn Rutherford
Mailing address: Wenner-Gren Foundation 655 Third, Avenue 23Rd Floor, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 683-5000
Website: https://www.wennergren.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Wenner-Gren Foundation for
Who The Wenner-Gren Foundation for funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Marcos Freire De Andrade Neves ($40K). Together the top 7 received $132K.
Organizations only. It also paid 311 grants to individuals ($6,512,928), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,365 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,360 grants of 1,365 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website says its programs are open to applicants regardless of citizenship or country of residence. Its stated support for anthropology is worldwide.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 318 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Wenner-Gren Foundation for gives
- Giving grew 58% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.3M (2020) to $6.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 318 grants totaling $6.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 49 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $1,630,834 |
| Marcos Freire De Andrade Neves | Freire de andrade neves, marcos (free u. Of berlin) not dead yet" | $40,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $210,553,751 | $11,419,151 | $12,327,662 | $6,645,080 | 318 | $12,890,800 | $10,843,340 |
| 2023 | $204,451,756 | $7,987,038 | $12,135,414 | $5,932,749 | 310 | $10,834,780 | $6,332,828 |
| 2022 | $197,815,854 | $2,883,134 | $11,193,776 | $6,266,200 | 338 | $10,647,228 | $2,361,151 |
| 2021 | $228,415,265 | $12,008,035 | $10,011,112 | $4,199,807 | 211 | $8,014,804 | $20,374,290 |
| 2020 | $201,999,376 | $507,375 | $8,059,403 | $3,308,716 | 188 | — | $39,756 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to help anthropologists advance knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify anthropology’s impact. Its website says its programs support innovative and ethical research in all branches of anthropology.
Its programs include research grants, fellowships for doctoral training and career development, conference and workshop grants, and support for writing and media projects. The Foundation also hosts international symposia and supports publications for scholars and the general public.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 318 grants totaling $6,645,080. Awards ranged from $800 to $71,000, with a median of $20,000. The largest listed award was $71,000 for establishing a fellowship in anthropology and Black experiences at the School of Advanced Research in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Foundation reported approving 182 research grants in 2024. It also approved 24 Wadsworth Fellowships for doctoral training, 18 Hunt Fellowships for writing, one Fellowship in Anthropology and Black Experiences for writing, five Fejos Fellowships for film, and 33 Conference and Workshop Grants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Danilyn Rutherford as president; Maugha Kenny as vice president for finance and secretary; Barbara Rockenbach as chair; Justin Zaremby as vice chair; and Kiele Neas as treasurer. It also lists Elizabeth Bradley, Kristi Craig, and Philip Deloria as trustees. Meredith Jenkins is listed as vice chair and treasurer through May 2024, and Cass Cliatt as a trustee through May 2024.
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for is led by Danilyn Rutherford, President on every filing since 2020; 2 of 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Danilyn Rutherford
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$375K (2020) → $441K (2024)
Barbara Rockenbach
Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cass Cliatt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Dietze
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mande Holford
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Philip Deloria
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Gilmore
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Rahbari
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Lenehan
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Turkuler Isiksel
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Bradley
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jainen Thayer
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristi Craig
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maugha Kenny
Vice President Finance & Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$322K (2020) → $378K (2024)
Meredith Jenkins
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Vice Chair & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Vice Chair & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Justin Zaremby
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kiele Neas
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Lauren Meserve (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Barbara Savage (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Henry Gonzalez (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Leslie Vosshall (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Noah Feldman (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ted Seides (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Lorraine Sciarra (2020) — Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $441K, to Danilyn Rutherford (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Wenner-Gren Foundation for
How much does The Wenner-Gren Foundation for give each year?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for gave $6.6M across 318 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $5.9M across 310 grants.
What is The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's typical grant size?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $20,896, across 318 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Wenner-Gren Foundation for give grants?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's top state is California, with 10% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest state was New York (9%).
Does The Wenner-Gren Foundation for give general operating support?
Occasionally: 1% of The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 318) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's largest grantees?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's largest 2024 grantees include Marcos Freire De Andrade Neves ($40,000), M Adityanandana ($25,000) and Wei Si Nicole NIC YIU ($24,968), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 311 grants to individuals ($6,512,928), which are not listed by name. Together they received 1% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Wenner-Gren Foundation for?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for reported $210.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $11.4M.
What does The Wenner-Gren Foundation for fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to help anthropologists advance knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify anthropology’s impact. Its website says its programs support innovative and ethical research in all branches of anthropology. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Wenner-Gren Foundation for?
The Foundation operates an online application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's EIN?
The Wenner-Gren Foundation for's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-1813827. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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